One of Britain’s best-known actresses, a TV news anchor, Paralympian swimmer, pharmaceutical industry leader, global digital advertising pioneer and notable business leaders will be among those being honoured by the University of Sunderland next month, in recognition of their outstanding contribution in their specialist fields.
The Honoraries will be joined by the 3,000 graduates receiving awards from University Chancellor Steve Cram CBE, during a week of ceremonies at the Stadium of Light. Held between 6 and 10 July, a total of 11,000 people are expected to attend the Graduation Ceremonies, including proud families and friends.
First to be honoured, with a Doctorate of Arts, will be Anne Reid MBE, BAFTA nominated film, television and stage actor. Many will remember Anne Reid for her first major acting role, as Valerie Tatlock (later Barlow) on ‘Coronation Street’. Others may be more familiar with her later career, which has included a chief part in 2011’s ‘Marchlands’ or starring alongside Derek Jacobi in ‘Last Tango in Halifax’. Anne has also starred in Doctor Who, played Jean in Dinner Ladies and was the voice of Wendolene in Wallace and Gromit’s ‘A Close Shave.’
Pam Royle, best known as North East Tonight’s news anchor, has had a fascinating career that began – on graduation from Newcastle University – teaching English and Drama in Hong Kong. It was here that Pam’s TV career began, though she started out training presenters for broadcast on radio and TV, before taking up the news anchor spot she’s best known for. As well as her TV career Pam is also patron of several charities including the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Pam will receive an Honorary Fellowship.
Receiving an Alumni Fellowship is Andy Sandoz Creative Partner of digital marketing agency Havas Work Club. Andy will take up the position of President of the D&AD – the global association for creative advertising in design – this September. A University of Sunderland alumnus, Andy graduated with a degree in Illustration and Design, before beginning his career as a pioneer in design for digital channels.
Also receiving an Honorary Fellowship is former World Championship and Team GB swimmer Fran Williamson. Fran’s outstanding career as an international swimmer has seen her win six Paralympic medals and five World Championship titles – including gold in the 50m backstroke in Eindhoven in 2010. Since her retirement in 2011 Fran has inspired thousands of school children in her role as an Athlete Mentor with the Youth Sport Trust.
Professor Sue Sharpe OBE has been closely involved with the pharmacy profession for almost 25 years, and as chief executive of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee she heads the body that represents the UK’s 11,600 community pharmacies, ensuring that patients benefit from the skills of pharmacists and that their work to relieve pressure on GPs and hospitals is duly recognised. Sue will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science.
Professor Isaac Adewole will also receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of his outstanding academic career and his commitment to improving the health of Nigerian women and the promotion of medical screening and preventative medicine in Nigeria. His work particularly relates to the transmission of HIV from mother to child, prevention of the spread of AIDS.
First of two to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business is former pupil of Sunderland’s Bede school, Paul Woolston, who is best known in the region for his role as Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP). During his last four years at the NELEP he has championed the North East nationally and globally, and is a strong advocate for the important contribution that regional Universities, including Sunderland, make to the economic prosperity of the North East.
Singapore’s President of the Management Development Institute Doctor Eric Kuan joined the institute in the late 70s and became President in 1992. During his 35 years he has had a major impact on the lifelong learning of the people of Singapore and the students he worked in collaboration with in 82 countries around the world.
Former Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Sir Nigel Sherlock KCVO, OBE will receive an Honorary Doctorate for Business Administration in recognition for his contribution to the North East and his commitment to community and charity causes. A member of the Northern Sinfonia since his student days, Sir Nigel was instrumental in establishing The Sage Gateshead, one of many North East regeneration projects he was actively involved with.
University Interim Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson commented: “We are proud to pay tribute to our honoraries at this year’s Graduation Ceremonies. In their chosen career they have all made a significant impact and will be a tremendous inspiration to our graduates who are celebrating their academic success before beginning their own career.”